Christian talk radio host Rich Buhler, diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, will participate in his own "Life Celebration" Oct. 28. It is free and open to the public.

The event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, also known as EVFree Fullerton, at 2801 N. Brea Blvd., Fullerton. "I know there have been many people wanting to see Rich and this is a positive way to do that," said Bill Martinez, family friend and broadcaster who has been one of the substitute hosts on Buhler's KBRT/740 AM weekday afternoon program.

Dan Wooding, a friend of the Buhler family who operates the ASSIST News Service, reported that those scheduled to take part in the "celebration" include Barry McGuire, Pat and Shirley Boone, and Ralph Carmichael. According to Wooding, persons sending in written or spoken tributes include Jim and Shirley Dobson, Cliff Barrows, Franklin Graham and Los Angeles radio-TV personality Stephanie Edwards.

Buhler's family will also be there, he said. Martinez and Warren Duffy continue to sub for Duffy on "Talk From the Heart" 3-5 p.m. weekdays, but occasionally Buhler has recorded messages for the show. More information: www.kbrt740.com, and Facebook pages for Rich Buhler and "740 am KBRT."

JAY COFFEY RETURNS TO SOCAL

Jay Coffey, who enjoyed a 20-year career at K-Earth 101 before leaving in 2005 for jobs in San Francisco and Seattle, returns to Southern California radio Monday as the new 6-10 a.m. morning drive personality on KKGO "Go Country 105."

Ginny Harmon, who took over the morning show when Shawn Parr moved to 10 a.m.-2 p.m., will stay on with Coffey and provide traffic reports, the station said.

"Jay has proven his talent in the L.A. market and his ability to connect with the local audience," said Saul Levine, president of Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters. "I'm confident that he will energize the morning drive with a mix of great country music and his unique and entertaining commentary."

"It's so great to be back," said Coffey, who also praised the work of Program Director Tonya Campos and consultant Jeff Pollack, "my long-time friend."

"Go Country" pulls strong ratings in Orange County. In its core demographic of women 25-54, they reach 1,200 in an average quarter hour, 63,900 women per week, and its share of the available radio audience – 2.4 – ranks No. 16 in Arbitron September OC ratings. Leaders in this category are KIIS-FM, KBIG-FM (MYfm), KOST-FM, KYSR-FM (98.7 FM), KTWV-FM, KCBS-FM (JACK), and KFI-AM.

Overall, among all persons and age groups, Go Country reaches 300,000 listeners weekly in Orange County, according to Arbitron.

BENSON: 'SAD NEWS'

KLOS/95.5 FM's Joe Benson said it was "very sad" to learn that Irvine swimming coach and music teacher Todd Larsen had died Oct. 16 of pneumonia and bacterial infections after successfully battling an aggressive form of leukemia.

Benson hosted a Feb. 1 "Todd Rocks Benefit Concert" at the House of Blues in Anaheim. It featured Vivian Campbell, guitarist for Def Leppard and Whitesnake; Mark Schulman, drummer for Beyonce, Pink and Sheryl Crow; and Jon Abrams, star of Broadway's "Movin' Out."

"I'm very sad at his passing, but so glad our paths crossed," Benson e-mailed. "Todd had a true gift for teaching music and swimming, but his most important gift to others was his ability to flat out inspire young people to achieve their own personal greatness. Because of his inner strength of character, both Todd and those he touched were blessed. "

A "Life Celebration" for KBRT radio host Rich Buhler, who has inoperable cancer, will be held Oct. 28 at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton.
K-Earth 101's Gary Bryan holds two dogs he united in "holy muttrimony" during the recent OC Pet-A-Palooza event at The Great Park in Irvine. . CBS
Dr. Demento returns as grand marshal for the 13th annual Trick or Treat Festival at the Orange County Market Place, O.C. Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa on Oct. 24. MICHAEL GOULDING, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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